Dansk Lake House by Jens Quistgaard

Jens Quistgaard’s place in tableware lore has long been established thanks to his work for Dansk Designs, which introduced Scandinavian modern to millions of kitchens across the globe. However, Quistgaard’s keen eye for design was not limited to just dinnerware. The Danish craftsman and sculptor also dabbled in architecture, designing an awe-inspiring mid-century modern gem in North Castle for Dansk co-founder Ted Nierenberg. Built in 1961, that particular piece of starchitecture now lists for $5.5 million.

Quistgaard was said to have designed and overseen every inch of the 7,138-square-foot villa, known as the Dansk Lake House, inside and out. Ensconced on a forested site in upstate New York, the home’s locale – 20 acres complete with a private lake, waterfall and manicured gardens – is only outdone by its dramatic outward appearance, which features a piercing folding-plate roof that bears a resemblance to scales on a dragon’s back.

Inside, the 7 bedroom, 6 bathroom retreat retains its connection to the serene setting with vaulted ceilings and glass walls showcasing the 10-acre lake. Evoking an ornamental feel of the medieval, beamed ceilings, hardwood floors and built-ins are accented by magnificent brickwork in the form of four great fireplaces and a resplendent kitchen hearth. But the real prize is arguably the handcrafted wood-spiral staircase, which offers a true showcase of Quistgaard’s outstanding feel for Scandinavian form.